Good afternoon from Meziesblog! Here’s latest news from the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war.

It’s now 4.30pm in Gaza and it appears the Rafah border crossing into Egypt is not opening imminently. 

It had been expected to open at 9am local time for aid to enter Gaza and for some foreign nationals to leave – but Israel and Hamas have both said no truce is in place to facilitate such a deal. The US is reportedly pushing for an opening amid a growing humanitarian crisis. 

Palestinians continue to evacuate from the north to the south of the strip, following orders from Israel which is preparing a large ground offensive. 

Here’s what else has happened today: 

• US President Joe Biden has warned Israel not to occupy Gaza;
• Hospitals across Gaza are expected to run out of fuel within 24 hours, the UN has warned;
• But Israel’s ambassador to the UK told Sky News there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza;
• Israel has announced the evacuation of residents living in 28 towns near the border with Lebanon;
• At least 199 people are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, Israel’s military has said – more than previously thought;
• US secretary of state Antony Blinken has landed in Israel for another round of shuttle diplomacy.